Joan Smalls is taking a stand against “hate and discrimination” in the fashion world.

The 36-year-old Puerto Rican model expressed her feelings in an Instagram post on Thursday, stating that she is “deeply troubled and offended” by a racist comment allegedly made by a senior manager at IMG Models.

Smalls described the remark as “unacceptable and irrelevant in a professional setting.” She is calling for a “thorough investigation” into the matter and demands “proper disciplinary measures.”

YSL News has contacted both Smalls and IMG Models for their responses.

Smalls shared that this is not the first time she has faced racism. She recounted a distressing incident early in her career when an agent reportedly used a racial slur and stated, “Karl Lagerfeld would never hire a (expletive) for his campaign.”

“I refuse to remain quiet about the hate and discrimination in an industry that claims to be inclusive and open-minded,” she wrote. “I will not accept being a target of hate speech or allow harmful actions to continue unabated in private contexts.”

“Racism and discrimination cannot be justified, and I will not stand for abusive language directed at my ethnic background or intellect.”

The model, who shattered barriers in 2011 by becoming the first Latina featured in Estee Lauder’s global marketing campaign, has previously addressed the issue of diversity in modeling during her Elle cover appearance in 2013.

“People often hide behind the term aesthetic,” she shared. “They claim, ‘It’s just that designer’s aesthetic.’ But when you observe 18 consecutive seasons with not a single model representing a different skin tone ,  there are advocates in this industry who promote diversity, and then there are those who don’t. It’s baffling. Beauty knows no bounds. We need to open these doors.”

In June 2020, Smalls committed to donating half of her remaining salary for the year to support Black Lives Matter and criticized the industry’s response to the racial justice movement that summer.

“This industry profits from our Black and Brown bodies, drawing inspiration from our culture, music, and imagery, yet it often sidesteps these crucial issues,” she pointed out. “You contribute to the cycle of these harmful behaviors, repeatedly disappointing us with your lack of sensitivity and disconnect with reality, offering empty apologies of ‘we will improve.’

Smalls received an outpouring of support on her Instagram post from followers like Ricky Martin, who urged her to “Speak up and be loud, Joan. ENOUGH! Give them a lesson.”

Linda Evangelista also labeled the incident as “unacceptable,” while Gabrielle Union expressed her pride and solidarity, stating, “Proud of you, and we’re right here with you! Let’s see what accountability and consequences look like.”